Optune GioTM and scalp care
By: Kimberly, Optune Gio Patient
Finding a skincare routine that works for you
As an Optune Gio patient, I know that skincare can be challenging at times, especially when it comes to keeping the skin on your scalp healthy. Through trial and error, and the help of my doctor to refine my skincare, I’ve discovered a few tricks in my routine. Of course, I recommend talking to your doctor if you run into any issues with your scalp care. Your doctor can recommend the best routine for you based on your personal needs and type of skin.
Preparing the Skin
Preparing my head before applying the arrays is the most important step in my scalp care routine because it helps prevent irritation. After shaving and shampooing, I apply a skin prep or skin barrier to my scalp. This can be purchased over the counter.
I've found this step to be particularly useful in helping to prevent ulcers. Skin barriers can not only protect the scalp but also help the arrays adhere to the skin. This is also particularly helpful when the weather is hot or humid so the arrays stay in place no matter how much I may sweat.
Managing Irritation
In the event that I do get an ulcer, my doctor usually prescribes a medicated cream. I would always check with my doctor before applying anything not prescribed.
My husband, Cecil, has become very good at cutting small pieces out of the array patches that will allow the ulcer to be open to the air. This also allows me to apply medicine to the ulcer and let it heal. Sometimes my husband may slightly move the position of an array patch to miss an ulcer, but we always check with my doctor before doing this. You should talk to your doctor before making any changes in your routine.
Additional Tips and Tricks
Another thing that I have found helpful is to leave my arrays on continuously for four days, and then I take them off for 12 to 24 hours, with my doctor’s guidance. This gives me a break and allows my skin to breathe.
Lastly, I always keep my head covered unless I am indoors. I usually wear baseball caps or bandanas in the summer. In the winter, I wear stocking caps of various thicknesses depending on how cold it is. Once, I made the mistake of going outside without a hat when my arrays were off. I ended up getting a sunburn over my tumor/radiation site. Since then, I am very cautious about keeping my head covered.
If you do experience skin irritation, then be sure to consult your doctor.
I hope I've shared something useful. Sometimes skincare is challenging, especially when you’re at the beginning of your journey, and you may figure different things out over time with trial and error. Persistence is the key. Don't give up.